If you had bulimia what should you do?

Answer 1

Whenever anyone talks about bulimia nervosa the first thing they focus on is a list of symptoms to do with bingeing and purging. However, there is much more to bulimia than this. It is a very complex illness that is poorly understood, and one for which treatment is still in its infancy. Orthodox medicine has little to contribute aside from the treatment of some of the more obvious physical symptoms. Sadly this does little or nothing to effect recovery.

Please don't think for an instant bulimia is limited to these. It is a deep seated psychological disease, often inherited, that affects the sufferer in a multitude of ways. The first signs someone has of being bulimic can be in the form of anxiety in early childhood. Only later (on average at the age of 17 and 4 months) does bingeing and purging enter the picture.

It helps to think of bingeing and purging as simply symptoms of a much deeper issue. It is an issue that can manifest itself in a multitude of ways, usually when the sufferer is at their most debilitated. They feel misunderstood, confused and then this unimaginable behavior manifests. Worse, the treatment they are often offered casts them as addicts and assumes their behavior is by choice. If addiction actually exists, it is assumed that this is further evidence of dysfunction. In reality the addiction is often another behavior triggered by anxiety; again, not a choice.

The only treatment that is going to benefit the person suffering, is one that deals directly with the underlying causes. For this reason, many treatments simply suppress a few symptoms. They do not effect cure. Measures of success have nothing to do with weight. Locking someone away and preventing them from purging is not a solution. If anything, it contributes to anxiety.

Often we see addiction in the family. This may be alcohol or narcotics, but is often present in either parents or grandparents. There is something of a myth that has grown up to suggest many bulimics have been sexually abused. There is no statistical evidence to suggest that instances of sexual abuse in bulimics is any higher than in the general population. This sort of misinformation is dangerous, as it can prevent some sufferers seeking help. They were never abused and wouldn't want anyone to suspect their parents of abusing them.

Because of the higher likelihood of addiction in the family, sometimes the bulimic individual doe s not have the benefit if a family that is supportive. However, because they are generally intelligent and creative individuals, they can sometimes find another support network.

Many bulimics experience shame and guilt around their behavior. This is particularly sad as their situation is not one of their choosing. It is an illness just like Diabetes. However, sufferer often blames themselves for their condition.

Bulimic, or 'Group B', people have little control or moderation over some aspects of their life. Food tends to be focused on, however spending, drinking, exercise and sex are all areas in which this lack of moderation can be experienced. This is not by choice. It's simply deeply coded into the nature of the person. Only with careful management will they get things under control.

There is a direct relationship between satisfaction and anxiety. As their anxiety increases and their satisfaction reduces they become more likely to engage in bulimic activity. If for instance they have exams, or a difficult episode with friends, or even a nasty shock, they become radically more likely to binge/purge. Of course, narcotics and alcohol both increase stress and anxiety in the body. Excessive use of either is likely to trigger a return to bulimic behavior.

Many people forget that the poor moderation control also can have it's positive aspects. Bulimics are great employees, as they tend to take on additional work - unable to moderate their workload. There is a danger of 'burnout' here, however with a good manager this employee can be much more productive than her counterparts. Equally, at school they often do very well, because they give 110%. They work best in a project based environment, where work takes place in short bursts of intense activity, with periods for recuperation in between.

As the bulimic individual masters her situation she often thrives and moves into a new more creative stage of her life. She understands herself better, and learns to accept the benefits of her nature, while limiting the riskier aspects of it. Mastering anxiety often completely removes the binge/purge aspect of bulimia.

Please take a close look at http://www.BulimiaGirls.com for a full understanding of bulimia.

Answer 2

The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Bulimia is a very serious and very dangerous condition and could be an underlying sign of severe depression or anxiety. Not only is it dangerous to your mental health, but Bulimia can have very serious affects on your stomach, esophagus, throat, teeth, and digestion in general.

You should immediately seek attention of a parent or guardian, a teacher, a counselor, a pastor, or any Adult that you trust, and tell them of your problem. It is very important to do so right away. There are counseling programs that exist to help people suffering from eating disorders because they are very serious and very dangerous.

Answer 3

A person with Bulimia Nervosa is somebody who has an eating disorder. With this, try purge after every meal. Purging is making yourself throw up your food by force.